SEGMENT: CHANGES IN FARM BUSINESS

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CHANGES IN FARM BUSINESS

In the 1970s farmers could plant fencerow to fencerow and sell everything they grew. In the 1980s things turned around and farms started consolidating and farmers were getting bought out. In the '90s, it was a little better but the trends were the same. Around 2000 he started focusing on direct food supplying. Agriculture is a long term process. One change he has seen that he doesn't like is that farming has become a dog eat dog world. Agriculture used to be fun but it isn't anymore. The little towns are dying because the farmers aren't supporting them anymore. Farming is about harnessing the energy of the sun. He would say "Go for it, but be careful what direction you go in," to someone who is considering a career in agriculture. Paul realized recently that he is the average age of farmers, at 56 years old. He hopes to be remembered for doing the right thing. Organic farming increases by 20% every year and will start to add up. Tyson Foods is the largest organic supplier in the US. Paul is worried about the day when small farmers are pushed out by industrial agriculture. The bar needs to be set higher.